Exploring San Francisco

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson dives deep into some of San Francisco’s most celebrated and lesser-known neighborhoods with three expert guests.

First, Johnson is joined by Evan Goldstein, master sommelier for the San Francisco Giants. With more than 30 years as a professional oenophile, Goldstein shares some fun on-the-job anecdotes along with his perfect wine and snack pairings at Oracle Park. “Sauvignon Blanc and garlic fries is one of my favorites,” he reveals. “And then, of course, you're going to have one of the renowned tri-tip sandwiches that we do. It's funny how people will freak out [about what to pair it with] if it's a sandwich, but if you tell them it's a steak, “Oh, I'll have a Cabernet with it.” Goldstein also explores San Francisco’s diverse wine scene, from trendy wine bars in the Dogpatch to neighborhood haunts in the Inner Richmond.

Next, Johnson reconnects with Bay Curious podcast host Olivia Allen-Price. The freshly minted author discusses her new book before getting into some under-the-radar gems in North Beach—including the Dear San Francisco revue. “It's kind of like Cirque de Soleil, but with a San Francisco twist,” she says. “It's a small theater, so you're really close to these people doing amazing tricks with their bodies that just will blow your mind. I went a couple weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it.” The podcaster also tells Johnson where to go for dinner and a show in sunny Potrero Hill.

Finally, Johnson talks culinary and cocktails with Lauren Saria, editor of Eater San Francisco. Saria shares a new way to enjoy a beloved city activity: a cable car bar crawl. After that, Saria breaks down her perfect Saturday—brunch spots, taco shops, and vintage stores included—in hippie haven Haight-Ashbury. The professional foodie also points listeners to some noteworthy happy hours and bars downtown, as well as some splurge-worthy restaurants. “In San Francisco, we are so fortunate because we have so many really lovely and special high-end restaurants where you can have a three- or four-hour dinner, and everything will be perfect” says Saria.

GUESTS

Evan Goldstein, master sommelier for the San Francisco Giants

Olivia Allen-Price, host of KQED’s podcast Bay Curious

Lauren Saria, editor of Eater San Francisco

RESOURCES

Evan Goldstein is the official sommelier for the San Francisco Giants, and one of only 273 people in the world who hold the distinction of master sommelier.

San Francisco

Oracle Park

The Cloud Club

The Gotham Clubhouse

The Dogpatch

Ungrafted

GluGlu

Chase Center

Mission Bay Wine Bar

The Richmond District

Golden Gate Park

Clement Street

High Treason

Kitchen Istanbul

Healthy Spirits

Tommy's Mexican restaurant

The Coffee Movement

Mourad

Aziza

The Presidio – Tunnel Tops

Golden Gate Bridge

Olivia Allen-Price is the host of KQED’s award-winning podcast Bay Curious and author of the book Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bay Curious

Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area

Sutro Baths

North Beach

Coit Tower

Cobb’s Comedy Club

Dear San Francisco

Vesuvio Cafe

City Lights Bookstore

Washington Square Park

Golden Boy Pizza

Comstock Saloon

Kennedy's Indian Curry House & Irish Pub

Potrero Hill 

Bottom of the Hill

Chez Maman

Ruby Wine

Lauren Saria is the editor of Eater San Francisco and has been a food writer for more than a decade.

Cable Car Bar Crawl

Haight-Ashbury

Jimi Hendrix House

Zazie

Wasteland

Borderlands Bookstore

Indigo Vintage Cooperative

Otra

The Felix

Dawn Club

Union Square

Bodega

Tyler Florence’s New Restaurants

Kiln

Hayes Valley

HOST 

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.